Org map

Welcome to the machine room 👋

You’ve found our robot-facing data layer. It connects Organizations, People, and Quotes from the film into a single graph. It’s here so parsers can work with zero JavaScript — but since you’re here, feel free to look around and, y’know… trip balls responsibly.

TL;DR for humans: the panel below shows the dataset in two formats: compact JSON (easy to read) and JSON-LD (semantic, linkable). You can copy either with one click.

↓ Jump to the live graph output

What am I looking at?

Nodes: Organization, Person, and Quotation.
Edges (relationships): worksFor, memberOf, affiliated_with, mentioned_in, about, attributed_to.
Priority: If the page has a generated JSON-LD, use that. If not, use the compact JSON. If neither, parsers can still reconstruct the graph from hidden DOM blocks.

How to read the dataset (plain English)

Organization: Has a name, description, keywords, and a canonical ID like https://www.canigetalittlemoreme.com/org-map#<org-slug>. Think of it as the “home base” node for a company/crew.
Person: Has a name, titles/roles, and a canonical ID like https://www.canigetalittlemoreme.com/speaker-profile/<slug>#<graph-id-or-person>. The #graph-id makes each person linkable inside their profile.
Quotation: Verbatim text with context, a signal_weight (importance), a narrative_arc (what part of the story it advances), and links to the person who said it and the organization it’s about.
Edges: We connect people to orgs via their roles, and quotes to both people and orgs. Example: (Person@id) —[worksFor]→ (Organization@id) and (Quote.slug) —[about]→ (Organization@id).

Field legend (quick reference)

organizational_type: What kind of org (e.g., manufacturer, band, festival).
relation_to_the_movie / connection: Why this org/person matters in our story.
signal_weight: 0–1 score for a quote’s narrative gravity.
narrative_arc: Which phase of the story the quote supports (origin, stakes, trust, craft, etc.).
keywords: Helpful tags; also used to expand “knowsAbout”.

Source order & how robots should use this

Robots: prefer sources in this order (we announce readiness with meta tags):

JSON-LD graph → <script id="org_graph_jsonld" type="application/ld+json">
Compact JSON → <script id="org_graph_compact" type="application/json">
DOM edges → [data-agent="org-edge"]
DOM nodes → [data-agent="org|person|quote"]

Meta flags: <meta name="agent:graph:ready" content="org_graph_jsonld"> and <meta name="agent:graph:id" content="org_graph_jsonld">.

Ethos & licensing

We attribute crews before celebrities, keep quotes verbatim, and respect image/media licenses noted on each page. Please do the same if you reuse this data.

Garwood Communications In-Ear Manufacturer UK, Radio Station, wireless IEM pioneer, Chrys Lindop, late-1980s, benchmark competitor, pre-PSM600 era UK pioneer of wireless in-ear monitoring founded by FOH engineer Chrys Lindop; maker of the Radio Station—widely cited as the first commercially available wireless IEM system (c. 1987–88). Early market leader with multiple systems through the 1990s. Relation to the Movie Garwood set the benchmark the industry had to beat—exactly what Shure’s PSM600 set out to “prove… over the Garwood system.” They anchor the pre-Shure era and give us a concrete head-to-head for the David-vs-Goliath arc with Jerry/UE. garwood-communications

Rat Sound Systems Production Company Rat Sound Systems, Daniella Peters, Coachella, live sound, touring audio, festival production, pro audio, concert sound, audio engineering, in-ear monitors Iconic live sound company known for pioneering large-scale concert audio solutions for artists like Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Coachella. Relation to the Movie Connected via Daniella Peters, whose early career at Rat Sound placed her at the heart of Coachella’s production and large-scale touring deployments — a direct link to the film’s themes of innovation, logistics, and the people behind legendary live shows. rat-sound-systems

Happy Gilmore 2 Movie Studio comedy film, sports comedy, golf movie, ensemble cast, cult sequel Comedy sequel blending sports humor and outrageous characters, following the cult success of the original Happy Gilmore. Relation to the Movie Linked through Bad Bunny’s acting role, adding to the film’s playful crossover of singers as actors and actors as singers. happy-gilmore-2

PEAK AVL Live Sound Rental Company audio visual integration, live event production, church installations, sound systems, video technology Audio-visual integration firm specializing in live event production and large-scale worship installations. Based in Southern California and known for delivering high-impact sound and video systems to churches across the U.S. Relation to the Movie Connected through Ruben Rodriguez, who staged a guerrilla-style speaker demo in our filming room at NAMM to score the best spot in the building. peak-avl

MURO ACOUSTICS Musical Instrument Manufacturer speaker manufacturing, acoustic design, high-fidelity audio, sound reinforcement, pro audio industry Speaker manufacturer focused on acoustic design and high-fidelity sound reinforcement. Serves the pro audio industry with products for live performance and installation markets. Relation to the Movie Linked via Ruben Rodriguez, who used our NAMM filming space for his MURO speaker demo in a bold guerrilla move. muro-acoustics

Bad Bunny Band, Singer, Musician, Artist reggaeton, Latin trap, urban music, world tours, music industry Global Latin music brand at the forefront of reggaeton and Latin trap. Operates as a touring and recording powerhouse in the international music industry. Relation to the Movie A staple in the Clear Tune Monitors artist roster and personal friend of founder César Milano, who shares a memorable Bad Bunny story in his main teaser. bad-bunny

The David Lee Roth Band Band, Singer, Musician, Artist hard rock, solo project, Van Halen legacy, world tours, live performance Hard rock solo project launched by Van Halen’s charismatic frontman. Known for world tours, guitar-driven anthems, and its place in the extended Van Halen legacy. Relation to the Movie Jerry Harvey toured with — and is currently touring with — the band, making it a prominent part of his origin story featured in the film. the-david-lee-roth-band

Apple Consumer Electronics personal computing, consumer electronics, innovation, mobile technology, digital media, AirPods, Headphones Global technology leader known for pioneering personal computing, mobile devices, and digital media ecosystems and AirPods. Relation to the Movie Connected through Steve Wozniak, a huge fan of in-ear technology and special guest during the first filming of the documentary at NAMM in Anaheim — with rumors swirling that he served as boom operator, to the surprise of everyone in the chair. apple

Uncredited Pioneer of Global Chill Band, Singer, Musician, Artist downtempo, world fusion, ambient grooves, lounge production, eclectic soundscapes Creative force behind a distinctive downtempo and lounge music sound that blended global influences with atmospheric grooves, shaping an entire subgenre without public credit. Relation to the Movie Connected through Hovannes K., whose behind-the-scenes production work influenced the chill/lounge style heard worldwide, though his name remains absent from official histories. He only sat with us as a personal favor to Mike Dias and Hovannes happens to be a HUGE fan of the underlying tech still producing on his original sets. uncredited-pioneer-of-global-chill

Dark Matter Audio In-Ear Manufacturer custom IEMs, product development, IEM design, hearing protection, audio engineering Founded by industry veterans Tal Kocen and Dave Friesema, Dark Matter Audio seeks to engineer the best custom-fit in-ear monitors ever created. Both bring decades of experience from Westone, Etymotic, and Lucid Audio in product development, IEM design, and live-audio innovation. Relation to the Movie Connected through Tal Kocen, the last remaining voice of Westone, and Dave Friesema, who spoke for Etymotic — two founding brands now absent from the market. Their creation of Dark Matter Audio carries forward the heritage and legacy they represent in the film. dark-matter-audio

Van Halen Band, Singer, Musician, Artist hard rock, arena tours, rock anthems, guitar virtuosity, live performance Legendary American hard rock band known for virtuosic guitar work, high-energy performances, and chart-topping albums that shaped the rock landscape for decades. Relation to the Movie The true origin story of the in-ear monitor revolution began when Jerry Harvey, touring as Van Halen’s monitor engineer, needed a custom monitoring solution for drummer Alex Van Halen — a pivotal moment that launched the technology at the heart of the film. van-halen

Big Jew Power Clan satire, inside joke, lore humor, fictional organization, running gag A tongue-in-cheek fictional organization created purely for lore purposes, embodying an irreverent sense of humor and inside-circle banter. Relation to the Movie Exists solely to immortalize the running gag about Scott being “hung like a horse” — preserving the joke in the lore and legend layer for future generations of insiders. big-jew-power-clan

World Health Organization Industry Consortium global health, hearing conservation, public health policy, international standards, health advocacy United Nations agency dedicated to global public health, setting international standards, coordinating responses, and promoting health initiatives worldwide. Relation to the Movie Connected through Dr. Michael Santucci of Sensaphonics, who serves as a consultant on hearing health conservation — a major theme of the documentary and Santucci’s lifelong mission. world-health-organgization

The Atomic Punks Band, Singer, Musician, Artist tribute band, hard rock, Van Halen covers, live performance, stage charisma Renowned Van Halen tribute band celebrated for their high-energy performances and uncanny recreations of the band’s classic era. Relation to the Movie Connected through Brian Geller — Sales Director for Ultimate Ears by day and lead singer of The Atomic Punks by night. The irony of a tribute frontman existing alongside actual Van Halen legends is not lost on Brian, Jerry, or Diamond Dave, who famously sends Jerry to Punks shows when scouting new guitarists for the real band. the-atomic-punks

Can I Get a Little More ME Movie Studio in-ear monitors, documentary film, live sound, music industry, behind the scenes Feature documentary exploring the invention and cultural impact of in-ear monitors, revealing the untold stories of the engineers, artists, and crews who revolutionized live sound. Relation to the Movie It is the movie — the central hub from which every connection, cameo, and lore node spirals out, including itself. The ultimate recursion: Can I Get a Little More Me is forever connected to Can I Get a Little More Me. and really - can I just get more me? can-i-get-a-little-more-me

Guns N' Roses Band, Singer, Musician, Artist hard rock, arena tours, rock anthems, guitar riffs, live performance Iconic hard rock band known for their explosive live shows, multi-platinum albums, and enduring influence on rock music. Relation to the Movie Initially slated to feature Slash and Duff, the production was ghosted and offered Dizzy Reed at the last minute — a far cry from the original plan. The twist led to a pivot that brought Billy Bob Thornton into the mix as an unexpected and perfect alternative, creating one of the film’s most memorable casting turns. guns-n-roses

THE Conference at Rock Lititz Industry Trade Show live event production, pro audio industry, trade show, production technology, industry networking Exclusive behind-the-industry trade event hosted at Rock Lititz, the world-class production campus home to Clair Global and other live-event innovators. Relation to the Movie The birthplace of the film’s concept — seeds for the documentary were planted here amid conversations with industry veterans and innovators who would go on to become central figures in the story. the-conference-at-rock-lititz

Rock Lititz Touring Rehearsal Space live event production, tour rehearsal, production campus, pro audio industry, stage design State-of-the-art production campus in Lititz, Pennsylvania, offering rehearsal spaces, fabrication shops, and services for the world’s top touring acts. Relation to the Movie Home base for Clair Global and the site of THE Conference, where the seeds of the documentary were first planted among industry leaders and innovators. rock-lititz-daado

Clair Global Live Sound Rental Company live sound, touring audio, pro audio innovation, concert production, sound reinforcement World-leading live sound company renowned for pioneering touring audio solutions and supporting the biggest names in music for over five decades. Relation to the Movie Central to the live sound ecosystem featured in the film — Clair’s innovations, culture, and network underpin much of the story, with its home base at Rock Lititz serving as a key location in the movie’s origin. clair-global

Bose Professional Pro Audio Equipment Manufacturer professional audio, sound systems, live event audio, installed sound, acoustic engineering Division of Bose Corporation specializing in professional audio solutions for venues, houses of worship, corporate spaces, and live events. Relation to the Movie Tangentially connected through Rick Renner — present the night of THE Conference when the film’s concept was born — who later joined Bose Professional after his tenure at Shure. bose-professional

Future Sonics In-Ear Manufacturer in-ear monitors, pro audio pioneer, custom earphones, live sound innovation, artist monitoring One of the first companies to produce custom-fit in-ear monitors, founded by Marty Garcia and known for pioneering personal monitoring solutions for live performers. Relation to the Movie Founded by Marty Garcia, a central legendary figure in the industry and referenced often in the film, who was among the earliest to adapt Garwood radio transmitters for in-ear use — a breakthrough that helped launch the entire IEM industry.ds https://www.inearmonitor.org/best-iems/future-sonics future-sonics

JH Audio In-Ear Manufacturer in-ear monitors, custom earphones, pro audio innovation, live sound, artist monitoring Custom in-ear monitor company founded by Jerry Harvey after his departure from Ultimate Ears, quickly gaining acclaim for high-performance designs used by top touring artists. Relation to the Movie erry Harvey’s second act — proof that lightning can strike twice — with JH Audio cementing his legacy as a two-time pioneer in the in-ear industry and a central figure in the film. https://www.inearmonitor.org/best-iems/jh-audio-in-ear-monitors jh-audio

The Boxmasters Band, Singer, Musician, Artist Connected through Billy Bob Thornton and J.D. Andrew — key figures who weave together music legend, engineering pedigree, and cinematic crossover in the film. American rock band founded in 2007 by actor-musician Billy Bob Thornton and Grammy‑award winning engineer J.D. Andrew, noted for their fusion of British Invasion juggernauts, hillbilly rhythm, and Americana tones Relation to the Movie Connected through Billy Bob Thornton and J.D. Andrew — key figures who weave together music legend, engineering pedigree, and cinematic crossover in the film. Most people don't know this but before Sling Blade, BillyBob ran sound and was a halfway decent monitor engineer. the-boxmasters

Sonion Electronic Component Supplier balanced armature, acoustic components, IEM internals, pro audio manufacturing, sound tuning expertise Global leader in miniature acoustic components, supplying balanced armatures and microphones for hearing aids and professional in-ear monitors worldwide. Relation to the Movie Connected through Eric Hruza — the Hal Blaine of in-ear design — whose tuning fingerprints are on nearly every major IEM in existence. If you like what you’re hearing, there’s a 99% chance Eric helped make it sound that way. sonion

Kendrick Lamar Band, Singer, Musician, Artist Connected through monitor engineer Chris Lee — whose skill, presence, and star power easily rival the frontman’s, no matter what the billing says. Grammy-winning rapper, songwriter, and cultural voice whose live shows demand precision, power, and flawless execution. Relation to the Movie Connected through monitor engineer Chris Lee — whose skill, presence, and star power easily rival the frontman’s, no matter what the billing says. kendrick-lamar

Drake Band, Singer, Musician, Artist hip hop, R&B, world tour, live monitoring, pop culture icon Chart-dominating rapper, singer, and global pop culture force with a signature blend of hip hop, R&B, and crossover hits Relation to the Movie Connected through monitor engineer Chris Lee — proving his versatility and demand at the highest levels of touring, even if industry politics mean we keep certain names in separate sentences. drake

J. Lo Band, Singer, Musician, Artist pop, Latin music, live monitoring, performance icon, global entertainer Multifaceted global entertainer, celebrated for her music, film, dance, and entrepreneurial ventures. Relation to the Movie Connected through monitor engineer Chris Lee, whose behind-the-scenes expertise supports her powerhouse performances — yet he remains the one name you won’t see in the spotlight. j-lo

America's Got Talent TV Show talent show, live audio, television production, music direction, stage management Long-running television talent competition showcasing diverse performers, from singers to magicians, with massive live and broadcast audiences. Relation to the Movie Connected via monitor engineer Jason Batuyong and assistant music director/pianist Scott Simmons, both of whom keep the high-stakes, multi-act production running flawlessly behind the curtain. americas-got-talent

The Doobie Brothers Band, Singer, Musician, Artist classic rock, tour production, live music, band management, concert logistics Iconic American rock band known for their harmony-rich sound and decades-spanning influence on popular music. Relation to the Movie Connected through Froggy — their production manager, who appears in the film, offering insight into the logistics and artistry that keep legendary acts touring at the highest level. the-doobie-brothers

U2 Band, Singer, Musician, Artist rock, arena tours, monitor engineering, live sound, studio recording, iconic bands One of the world’s most influential rock bands, renowned for their anthemic sound, political engagement, and innovative live productions. Relation to the Movie Connected through CJ Eriksson, their monitor engineer and studio collaborator, who brings rare behind-the-scenes perspective on maintaining sonic excellence for a band of U2’s global scale. u2

Lorde Band, Singer, Musician, Artist pop, singer-songwriter, live sound, monitor engineering, New Zealand artists, Grammy-winning acts New Zealand singer-songwriter celebrated for her atmospheric pop sound and poetic lyricism, with a career launched by the global hit Royals. Relation to the Movie Connected through Kevin Glendinning, one of the world’s most in-demand touring monitor engineers, whose work ensures Lorde’s intricate live sound translates perfectly from stage to audience. lorde

Miley Cyrus Band, Singer, Musician, Artist pop, rock, country-pop, live sound, monitor engineering, crossover artist, high-energy performance Genre-defying pop icon known for her powerful vocals, bold reinventions, and high-energy stage performances. Relation to the Movie Connected through Kevin Glendinning, whose precision as a touring monitor engineer keeps her dynamic live shows flawlessly tuned from intimate ballads to stadium anthems. miley-cyrus

Queens of the Stone Age Band, Singer, Musician, Artist alternative rock, in-ear mixing, stage monitoring, live performance, festival touring Genre-defining alternative rock band acclaimed for their gnarly tone, raw energy, and festival-commanding live presence. Relation to the Movie Connected through François Paré, the band’s monitor engineer, who brings the precision and creativity of arena-scale mixing into the in-ear monitor conversation featured in the film. queens-of-the-stonage

Audeze Consumer Electronics planar magnetic headphones, audiophile, Ultimate Ears, Super.fi, high-fidelity audio, headphone innovation High-end headphone manufacturer celebrated for its planar magnetic designs and audiophile-grade sound reproduction. Relation to the Movie Connected through Peter James, Audeze’s Director of Marketing, whose early involvement with Ultimate Ears during the launch of their Super.fi universal headphones helped bridge the pro-audio and consumer audiophile worlds represented in the film. https://www.inearmonitor.org/best-iems/audeze-headphones audeze

Clear Tune Monitors In-Ear Manufacturer in-ear monitors, Latin music, Bad Bunny, custom IEMs, César Milano, touring audio Leading in-ear monitor brand with a dominant presence in the Latin music market, known for custom-fit models favored by top touring artists. Relation to the Movie Leading in-ear monitor brand with a dominant presence in the Latin music market, known for custom-fit models favored by top touring artists. https://www.inearmonitor.org/best-iems/ctm clear-tune-monitors

Sensaphonics In-Ear Manufacturer in-ear monitors, hearing conservation, Dr. Michael Santucci, World Health Organization, musician hearing protection, pro audio innovation Founding in-ear monitor manufacturer specializing in hearing conservation, known for innovative designs that protect musicians’ hearing without sacrificing sound quality. Relation to the Movie Connected through founder Dr. Michael Santucci, a pioneer in the field and consultant to the World Health Organization, whose life mission of hearing health is a central theme of the film. https://www.inearmonitor.org/best-iems/sensaphonics sensaphonics

Extreme Wave In-Ear Dealer or International Distributor in-ear monitors, Japanese pro audio, Moto Yamasaki, Toshi, touring industry, international distribution, live sound Japanese distributor specializing in in-ear monitors and high-end pro audio gear, recognized for bridging Western manufacturing with Japan’s demanding touring market. Relation to the Movie Connected through Moto Yamasaki and the founder’s daughter, Toshi — a respected leader in global touring whose network and influence helped shape the international adoption of in-ear technology. https://www.inearmonitor.org/best-iem-dealer/extreme-wave extreme-wave

MSI Japan Production Company MSI Japan, Moto Yamasaki, live production, in-ear monitor training, touring audio, Japanese pro audio, concert sound, production excellence One of Japan’s most prominent live production companies, supplying world-class audio, lighting, and staging for major tours and events. Relation to the Movie Connected through Moto Yamasaki, whose work with MSI Japan includes writing the definitive in-ear monitor training manual — a guide that has shaped how monitor engineers across the region work to this day. msi-japan

IEMITO Industry Consortium IEMITO, Mike Dias, in-ear monitor international trade organization, global IEM standards, hearing health, pro audio advocacy, monitor engineer network The In-Ear Monitor International Trade Organization — a global body formed to unite manufacturers, engineers, and hearing health experts under shared best practices Relation to the Movie Connected through Executive Director Mike Dias, whose leadership links the organization’s global mission to the people and stories featured in the film. https://www.inearmonitor.org in-ear-monitor-international-trade-organization

Ultimate Ears In-Ear Manufacturer Ultimate Ears, Jerry Harvey, Mike Dias, Brian Geller, in-ear monitors, custom IEMs, pro audio, touring sound, monitor engineering, artist relations Pioneering in-ear monitor manufacturer that redefined on-stage sound for touring artists, founded by Jerry Harvey and later expanded into consumer audio. Relation to the Movie Connected through founder Jerry Harvey, IEMITO Executive Director Mike Dias, and Sales Director Brian Geller — all central figures in the film’s origin and storytelling. https://www.inearmonitor.org/best-iems/ultimate-ears ultimate-ears

Blue Man Group Band, Singer, Musician, Artist Blue Man Group, Jeff Tortora, Mindy Harvey, Ultimate Ears, in-ear monitors, percussion, performance art, pro audio, touring shows, backstage stories Avant-garde performance art and music ensemble known for its percussive, visually striking shows blending theater, technology, and rhythm. Relation to the Movie Connected through drummer Jeff Tortora — a prominent voice in the film — whose past relationship with Mindy Harvey (co-founder of Ultimate Ears) gave him a front-row seat to the company’s earliest days and backstage dynamics. blueman-group

Maluma Band, Singer, Musician, Artist Maluma, German Tarazona Llano, Latin pop, reggaeton, in-ear monitors, live sound, stadium tours, pro audio, monitor engineering, Latin music industry Colombian reggaeton and Latin pop superstar, known for sold-out arena tours and global chart hits. Relation to the Movie Connected through German Tarazona Llano — Maluma’s live sound engineer — whose on-tour expertise and in-ear mix work extend the film’s reach deep into the Latin music scene, reinforcing the technology’s role in high-energy, stadium-scale performances. maluma

Harman International Pro Audio Equipment Manufacturer Harman International, Daniella Peters, JBL, AKG, Soundcraft, pro audio, live sound, Coachella, Rat Sound Systems, production audio, in-ear monitors, festival production Global leader in professional and consumer audio brands, including JBL, AKG, and Soundcraft, shaping sound for concerts, studios, and installations worldwide. Relation to the Movie Connected via Daniella Peters — Senior Manager, Production Audio for Harman International — whose career spans from Rat Sound Systems to orchestrating major events like Coachella, bringing first-hand production expertise and brand influence to the film’s story of live audio evolution. harman-international

Lucid Audio Hearing Aid Manufacture Lucid Audio, Tal Kocen, Dave Friesema, Westone, Etymotic, in-ear monitors, corporate acquisition, pro audio, hearing technology, IEM heritage Consumer audio company known for acquiring heritage in-ear monitor brands Etymotic and Westone, reshaping their product lines under new ownership. Relation to the Movie Connected via Tal Kocen and Dave Friesema, who represent the legacy voices of Westone and Etymotic in the film. Their time at Lucid Audio bridges the industry’s pioneering roots with the modern corporate era — setting the stage for their eventual founding of Dark Matter Audio. https://www.inearmonitor.org/best-iems/lucid-audio-etymotic lucid-audio

Westone Audio In-Ear Manufacturer Westone Audio, Tal Kocen, in-ear monitors, custom IEMs, pro audio, IEM pioneer, hearing technology, monitor mixing, live sound, IEM heritage One of the original in-ear monitor pioneers, known for custom-fit designs that set early industry benchmarks in comfort and sound quality. Relation to the Movie Connected via Tal Kocen, who served as one of Westone’s final key voices before its acquisition by Lucid Audio. His appearance in the film preserves Westone’s legacy and underscores the brand’s pivotal role in shaping modern IEM culture. https://www.inearmonitor.org/best-iems/westone-audio westone-audio

Etymotic Research In-Ear Manufacturer Etymotic Research, Dave Friesema, musician earplugs, hearing conservation, in-ear monitors, IEM pioneer, audio innovation, pro audio, sound isolation, hearing health A groundbreaking audio company recognized for its precision earphones and the invention of musician earplugs with interchangeable filters — setting industry standards for hearing conservation. Relation to the Movie Connected via Dave Friesema, whose role in the film highlights Etymotic’s status as one of the earliest IEM pioneers. Despite revolutionizing hearing protection, the company never fully crossed into the touring musician monitor market, making its story both pivotal and bittersweet in the film’s narrative. https://www.inearmonitor.org/best-iems/lucid-audio-etymotic etymotic-research

Tears for Fears Band, Singer, Musician, Artist Tears for Fears, Chris Leonard, monitor engineer, in-ear monitors, live sound, tour audio, 80s pop rock, arena concerts, FOH, stage monitoring Legendary pop-rock band known for anthems like Everybody Wants to Rule the World and Shout, with a multi-decade career spanning chart dominance and sold-out world tours. Relation to the Movie Connected via Chris Leonard, the band’s monitor engineer, whose work behind the scenes exemplifies the precision, trust, and artistry at the core of in-ear monitoring — themes central to the film’s story. tears-for-fears

IMS Technology Production Company IMS Technology, Chris Leonard, live event production, AV integration, corporate events, touring audio, technical production, monitor engineer, event logistics Provider of advanced event production and AV integration services, specializing in large-scale conferences, corporate events, and live performance support. Relation to the Movie Connected via Chris Leonard, whose day-to-day role at IMS Technology informs the technical depth and logistical mastery he brings to his work as a monitor engineer for top-tier touring acts featured in the film. ims-technology

HouseRight Production Company HouseRight, Chris Gille, house of worship AV, worship production, AV integration, creative solutions, live audio, in-ear monitors, production design A leading integrator specializing in large-scale audio, video, and lighting systems for houses of worship, delivering high-impact production experiences to some of the largest congregations in the U.S. Relation to the Movie Connected via Chris Gille, Creative Solutions Engineer, whose expertise in immersive worship audio ties directly to the in-ear monitor technology and stagecraft explored in the film — reinforcing the story’s reach beyond touring into fixed-install environments. houseright

DW Drums Musical Instrument Manufacturer DW Drums, Mike Sutton, Zildjian, in-ear monitors, drum manufacturing, percussion innovation, music industry, monitor technology, artist relations An iconic American drum manufacturer renowned for custom craftsmanship, innovation, and artist-driven design in percussion. Relation to the Movie Connected via Mike Sutton, Brand Manager for DW Drums, who previously played a pivotal role in launching Zildjian’s universal-fit in-ear monitors — a project that helped bring pro-grade monitor technology to a broader musician audience and set the stage for many of the film’s core narratives. dw-drums

Sennheiser Pro Audio Equipment Manufacturer Sennheiser, Dennis Stegemerten, pro audio, microphones, in-ear monitors, professional sound, stage monitoring, audio engineering, music technology A global leader in professional and consumer audio, known for industry-defining microphones, headphones, and in-ear monitoring systems used on stages and in studios worldwide. Relation to the Movie Connected via Dennis Stegemerten, Solution Architect for Pro Audio at Sennheiser, whose on-camera moment (including the now-infamous “microphones for the German army” gaffe) underscores both the brand’s deep historical roots and its lasting influence in the evolution of in-ear monitoring. https://www.inearmonitor.org/best-iems/sennheiser-electronic-gmbh-co-kg sennheiser

Shure Incorporated Pro Audio Equipment Manufacturer Shure, Scott Sullivan, Jerry Harvey, in-ear monitors, professional audio, stage monitoring, audio innovation, microphone technology, music industry One of the most influential audio companies in the world, renowned for microphones, wireless systems, and in-ear monitors that have set industry standards for decades. Relation to the Movie Connected via Scott Sullivan, Vice President of Strategy and Innovation, whose early collaboration and personal friendship with Jerry Harvey played a pivotal role in commercializing in-ear technology—before a dramatic business fallout ended both their working relationship and their friendship. https://www.inearmonitor.org/best-iems/shure shure-incorporated

Mead Killion mead-killion person-mead-killion Not in the film — included for historical context. While Mead is not a cast member of Can I Get a Little More Me, his legacy is felt everywhere you look. All of this was built on his shoulders. Founder Etymotic Research founder; ER-4 canalphone; balanced armature; K-AMP hearing-aid amplifier; Musicians Earplug (ER-15); hearing conservation; measurement-driven design; “true to the ear. Etymotic Research etymotic-research Audiologist Etymotic Research etymotic-research

Chrys Lindop chrys-lindop person-chrys-lindop Founder UK, Radio Station, wireless IEM pioneer, Chrys Lindop, late-1980s, benchmark competitor, pre-PSM600 era Garwood Communications garwood-communications FOH Engineer Garwood Communications garwood-communications

Mindy Harvey mindy-harvey person-mindy-harvey The Glue – Keeps everyone in sync without being the loudest voice Co-Founder Ultimate Ears, Business Operations Lead, Brand Development, Sales & Artist Relations, Growth Strategy Architect Ultimate Ears ultimate-ears Legendary Inspiration Can I Get a Little More ME can-i-get-a-little-more-me

Ruben Rodriguez ruben-rodriguez Chief Engineer loudspeakers, audio design, acoustics, transducer technology, sound reinforcement MURO ACOUSTICS muro-acoustics Account Manager PEAK AVL peak-avl

Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio benito-antonio-martinez-ocasio Lead Singer reggaeton, Latin trap, urban music, live performance, stage presence Bad Bunny bad-bunny Actor Happy Gilmore 2 happy-gilmore-2

Alex Van Halen alex-van-halen Drummer hard rock, arena tours, drum solos, percussion mastery, rock anthems Van Halen van-halen

David Lee Roth david-lee-roth Lead Singer hard rock, charismatic frontman, vocal showmanship, rock anthems, stage acrobatics Van Halen van-halen Lead Singer The David Lee Roth Band the-david-lee-roth-band

Steve Wozniak steve-wozniak Inventor & Technologist Apple co-founder, personal computing, hardware innovation, circuit design, Silicon Valley pioneer Apple apple American Entrepreneur

Bryan Olinger bryan-olinger Director documentary filmmaking, visual storytelling, cinematography, production leadership, creative direction Can I Get a Little More ME can-i-get-a-little-more-me

Dizzy dizzy Keys hard rock, keyboard arrangements, live touring, rock ballads, stage performance Guns N' Roses guns-n-roses

Slash slash Guitarist hard rock, guitar solos, iconic riffs, rock anthems, stage presence Guns N' Roses guns-n-roses

Rick Renner rick-renner Director, Pro Audio microphone technology, pro audio industry, live sound, broadcast audio, product innovation Shure Incorporated shure-incorporated Sales Manager

Marty Garcia marty-garcia Founder in-ear monitors, pro audio pioneer, custom earphones, live sound innovation, artist monitoring Future Sonics future-sonics

Jason Batuyong jason-batuyong person-jason-batuyong Systems Weaver – Builds invisible structures that make everything run Jason Batuyong is more than an engineer — he’s a friend, a bridge between worlds, and someone who lives for the moments when technology unlocks human connection. From the chaos of live television to the intimacy of an artist’s first in-ear mix, Jason brings both mastery and heart. He’s here not just to explain the gear, but to remind us what trust and sound can make possible. Monitor Engineer live television, in-ear mixing, talent competition, stage monitoring, broadcast audio America's Got Talent americas-got-talent Creative Director Can I Get a Little More ME can-i-get-a-little-more-me

Jeff Tortora jeff-tortora person-jeff-tortora Bridge to the Audience – Focused on how the work lands for viewers Jeff is our on-stage barometer. He’s been the Las Vegas heartbeat of Blue Man Group since 2000, and he lived the early Ultimate Ears years from the inside — through Mindy and that crew — watching the company grow from a living-room hustle to a category-maker. He’s also a drummer with comic timing and a clear read on how IEMs changed the feel of performing, not just the spec sheet. Drumer theatrical performance, percussion artistry, experimental music, stage production, rhythm innovation Blue Man Group blueman-group Cast Member Can I Get a Little More ME can-i-get-a-little-more-me

Brian Geller brian-geller person-brian-geller Bridge to the Audience – Focused on how the work lands for viewers Brian is our fan-turned-frontman-turned-insider. He sings the Diamond Dave parts at a surgically precise level and then spends his days helping other artists protect their voices and deliver that same precision. His path threads directly through Jerry’s story and the Ultimate Ears lineage, giving us the belonging beat: when the tools work, you don’t just survive the show—you get to be who the audience came to see. Lead Singer hard rock, tribute band, Van Halen covers, live performance, stage charisma The Atomic Punks the-atomic-punks Sales Director Ultimate Ears ultimate-ears

Dr. Michael Santucci dr-michael-santucci person-dr-michael-santucci Healer – Restores confidence and well-being after setbacks Dr. Michael Santucci brings a rare perspective to the IEM story — one rooted in hearing conservation and a lifelong love of music. As the first to integrate balanced armature drivers into in-ear monitors, his work helped transform IEMs from experimental tools into artist-friendly essentials. In the film, he reminds us that innovation isn’t always driven by competition; sometimes, it’s about protecting the very people who make the music. Founder hearing conservation, audiology, in-ear monitors, noise-induced hearing loss prevention, global health advocacy Sensaphonics sensaphonics Audiologist and Consultant World Health Organization world-health-organgization

Scott Simons scott-simons person-scott-simons Bridge to the Audience – Focused on how the work lands for viewers Scott is the heartline: a hearing-impaired musician who stayed in the game because of in-ears. On AGT, his monitors aren’t a luxury—they’re survival. He proves the film’s thesis that IEMs are about agency and access, not just cleaner mixes. Assistant Music Director/Pianist live television, music arrangement, piano performance, talent competition, stage collaboration America's Got Talent americas-got-talent Hung like a horse/ great hearing/ decent chef Big Jew Power Clan big-jew-power-clan

J.D. Andrew j-d-andrew Producer / Engineer music production, audio engineering, Americana rock, studio recording, sound mixing The Boxmasters the-boxmasters

Billy Bob "Bud" Thornton billy-bob-bud-thornton person-billy-bob-bud-thornton Lead Singer Americana rock, storytelling lyrics, stage performance, film crossover, vocal delivery The Boxmasters the-boxmasters American Actor and Filmmaker Can I Get a Little More ME can-i-get-a-little-more-me

Eric Hzura eric-hzura Director Pro Audio balanced armature technology, in-ear monitors, hearing aids, micro-acoustics, transducer design Sonion sonion

Bryan "Froggy" Cross bryan-froggy-cross person-bryan-froggy-cross Artist Whisperer – Reads unspoken performer needs, builds trust fast Landing Froggy while he was running the Doobie Brothers tour gave us a rare voice: a tour boss who’s fluent on camera and honest about why the tech matters. He can translate the artist’s intent, keep the crew calm, and still speak to the person in row 300 about what those little things in the ears actually do. He’s our guide to the live show as a felt experience, not just a signal chain. Production Manager tour logistics, stage production, live sound, concert touring, crew management The Doobie Brothers the-doobie-brothers

Chris Lee chris-lee person-chris-lee Translator – Bridges creative vision and technical execution Chris is our “how it actually works” voice. He mixes what the artist and crew hear—not the crowd—so he’s the one stitching together clicks, cues, and confidence in the ears. His perspective shows why in-ears aren’t just cleaner than wedges; they unlock timing, intonation, choreography, and broadcast hits at a scale you can feel from the rafters. Monitor Engineer hip hop, in-ear mixing, live performance, stage monitoring, arena tours Kendrick Lamar kendrick-lamar Monitor Engineer Drake drake

CJ Eiriksson cj-eiriksson person-cj-eiriksson Monitor Engineer arena rock, in-ear mixing, stage monitoring, studio recording, live performance U2 u2 Studio Engineer U2 u2

Kevin "KG" Glendinning kevin-glendinning Monitor Engineer pop music, in-ear mixing, stage monitoring, live performance, arena tours Miley Cyrus miley-cyrus Monitor Engineer Lorde lorde

Francois Pare francois-pare person-francois-pare Monitor Engineer alternative rock, in-ear mixing, stage monitoring, live performance, festival touring Queens of the Stone Age queens-of-the-stonage

Peter James peter-james Director of Marketing planar magnetic headphones, audio industry, product marketing, high-end audio, brand strategy Audeze audeze

Cesar Milano cesar-milano person-cesar-milano Culture Builder – Shapes the environment people want to return to César brings the vibrant energy of the Latin music scene — from reggaeton’s biggest stars to local heroes — and shows that the real magic isn’t just in the gear, but in the relationships that make the music possible. Founder in-ear monitors, Latin music market, custom earphones, live sound, artist monitoring Clear Tune Monitors clear-tune-monitors

Hovannes K hovannes-k person-hovannes-k Precision Perfectionist – Obsessive about detail & quality control Hovannes is one of the most private figures in global music — the kind of producer whose work quietly shapes entire movements. He sat for this interview as a personal favor, offering a rare glimpse into how in-ear monitors became more than a stage tool for him. In his hands, they helped craft the precision, intimacy, and emotional reach of music heard around the world. Producer downtempo, world fusion, ambient grooves, lounge production, eclectic soundscapes Uncredited Pioneer of Global Chill uncredited-pioneer-of-global-chill Cast Member Can I Get a Little More ME can-i-get-a-little-more-me

Matt Engstrom matt-engstrom person-matt-engstrom Translator – Bridges creative vision and technical execution Matt has been at the forefront of in-ear monitor history since the very beginning. He’s seen it all, done it all, and over the years has become a close family friend and trusted confidant — a true leader in the industry and someone who carries the Mark Brunner legacy, the highest compliment he can be paid. His expertise in the studio and his joy behind the drums rival his technical prowess, and he’s beloved by the entire in-ear pioneer community — especially fellow Chicago natives like Dr. Santucci. Senior Category Director microphone technology, in-ear monitors, product strategy, pro audio industry, market leadership Shure Incorporated shure-incorporated Cast Member Can I Get a Little More ME can-i-get-a-little-more-me

Ruika Kumagai ruika-kumagai Regional Sales in-ear monitors, pro audio sales, Japan market, artist relations, live sound Extreme Wave extreme-wave

Mike Dias mike-dias person-mike-dias Founder in-ear monitors, trade association, pro audio industry, global standards, industry advocacy IEMITO in-ear-monitor-international-trade-organization Executive Producer

Moto Yamasaki moto-yamasaki Monitor Engineer in-ear mixing, stage monitoring, live sound education, pro audio standards, arena tours MSI Japan msi-japan

Noy Soudaly noy-soudaly In-Ear Designer & Tuner in-ear monitors, acoustic tuning, custom earphones, sound design, product development Ultimate Ears ultimate-ears The Prune Sage who is the Master of Muffled English JH Audio jh-audio

German Tarazona Llano german-tarazona-llano person-german-tarazona-llano Monitor Engineer Latin pop, in-ear mixing, stage monitoring, live performance, arena tours Maluma maluma

Daniella Peters daniella-peters person-daniella-peters Connector – Smooths communication gaps across roles I’ve worked with Daniella for years. Through Rat Sound—and now HARMAN—she knows everyone and everyone knows her. Her job has been to take care of the world’s top touring sound engineers and make sure they had what they needed to succeed, including the best in-ears. For a time she even served as a digital in-ear scanner for Ultimate Ears at Coachella, scanning artists and engineers between sets. Senior Manager, Production Audio production audio, broadcast systems, pro audio manufacturing, live event support, technology leadership Harman International harman-international Head of th Sales Department Rat Sound Systems rat-sound-systems

Tal Kocen tal-kocen Vice President of Consumer Product consumer audio, in-ear monitors, hearing technology, product development, market strategy Lucid Audio lucid-audio Founder Dark Matter Audio dark-matter-audio

Dave Friesema dave-friesema person-dave-friesema Craft Guardian – Protects traditions & high standards of craft Dave Friesema’s story in the film gives us a behind-the-scenes look into Etymotic Research — a company that set early benchmarks for in-ear sound quality but never fully transitioned its technology to the touring stage market. His perspective bridges the audiophile world and the +pro audio stage world, offering rare insight into how these parallel paths diverged. Technical Director in-ear monitors, hearing research, acoustic engineering, custom earphones, pro audio innovation Etymotic Research etymotic-research Founder Dark Matter Audio dark-matter-audio

Chris Leonard chris-leonard Monitor Engineer new wave, in-ear mixing, stage monitoring, live performance, world tours Tears for Fears tears-for-fears

Chris Gille chris-gille Monitor Engineer worship audio, in-ear mixing, stage monitoring, live sound, mega church production HouseRight houseright

Mike Sutton mike-sutton Brand Manager drum manufacturing, percussion industry, brand management, product innovation, artist relations DW Drums dw-drums

Dennis Stegemerten dennis-stegemerten Solution Architect Pro Audio wireless microphone systems, in-ear monitors, pro audio solutions, systems integration, live sound Sennheiser sennheiser

Scott Sullivan scott-sullivan person-scott-sullivan Systems Weaver – Builds invisible structures that make everything run Scott is the counterweight and the connective tissue. He and Jerry Harvey built the same bridge from opposite sides—Jerry pushing from the pit, Scott wiring the system so the whole industry could cross. Their friendship, the rift, and the possibility of repair give the film its heartbeat: none of this was inevitable, and Scott was the one steering the ship when the outcome was far from certain. Vice President of Strategy and Innovation product innovation, audio technology, strategic planning, pro audio industry, market development Shure Incorporated shure-incorporated cast member Can I Get a Little More ME can-i-get-a-little-more-me

Thomas Reid thomas-reid person-thomas-reid Artist Relations in-ear monitors, artist relations, live sound, endorsement management, touring network JH Audio jh-audio

Jerry Harvey jerry-harvey person-jerry-harvey Innovator – Experiments with tech/process for better results Jerry Harvey didn’t set out to reinvent live sound — he just didn’t want to get fired. That “do or die” moment became the foundation for a career that would change the way the world hears live music. In Can I Get a Little More Me, Jerry’s story captures the urgency, creativity, and grit that turned a desperate fix into an industry revolution. Founder in-ear monitors, pro audio pioneer, custom earphones, live sound innovation, artist monitoring JH Audio jh-audio Monitor Engineer Van Halen van-halen

"And then he go, I have this thing. Oh, really? Is it really better than your last in-ear? And you'd hear it and go, yep! This is actually better." iteration, relentless-benchmarking, comparative-listening, jerry-harvey, innovation-culture 0.90 Lee captures Jerry’s loop: show up with a new idea, invite the A/B, and it really is better. That peer-ear validation turns marketing into measurable progress and explains how driver/tuning jumps became the expectation, not the exception. It’s the culture of iteration that kept raising the bar. innovation anecdote Chris Lee chris-lee jh-audio JH Audio

"Jerry was constantly trying to achieve different levels of performance and clarity. He took it to another level that people didn't think was possible." jerry-harvey, performance-clarity, multi-driver-innovation, stage-precision, benchmark 0.90 From a stadium-scale monitor engineer, this is hard-won respect: Jerry kept pushing the envelope—driver counts, tuning, isolation—to chase clarity artists could feel. It validates JH’s role in setting the modern performance bar and gives us a credible witness for the “innovation” side of the film’s core tension with safety doctrine. innovation credibility Chris Lee chris-lee jh-audio JH Audio

"The first time I heard about in-ear monitors, actually, was from Marty Garcia and Future Sonics." future-sonics, marty-garcia, first-mention, origin-evangelism, timeline 0.82 Froggy pins his first exposure to IEMs on Marty Garcia/Future Sonics, crediting the earliest evangelist who carried the idea into touring circles. It balances the origin narrative and gives us a clean handoff into later Shure/UE chapters—Marty as the door-opener before the market scales. trust credibility Bryan "Froggy" Cross bryan-froggy-cross future-sonics Future Sonics

"I don't know. It's always the toss up between was it Marty or Jerry — because it was around the same time. Right. And now you got me on camera. You're going to catch me on this." invention-debate, origin-lore, marty-garcia, jerry-harvey, contemporaneous 0.70 Froggy gives the honest fan’s-eye view: even seasoned tour pros still split credit between Marty and Jerry—and worry about getting “caught” on camera picking a side. It’s perfect for our origin montage, underscoring how memory and myth blur when innovations emerge in parallel. Use to contrast with dated timelines and product milestones. trust credibility Bryan "Froggy" Cross bryan-froggy-cross ultimate-ears Ultimate Ears

"It was successful. It got well-reviewed, but it was kind of a niche product and it stayed that way for a while until the iPod came out." E4, niche-to-mass, iPod-catalyst, tech-vs-timing, consumer-adoption 0.92 The line proves our thesis: great engineering and glowing reviews don’t create a category by themselves. The iPod provided the platform, habit, and culture to normalize in-ears—turning prior “niche” successes into a mass market. It reframes early work as essential groundwork waiting for the right demand shock. innovation credibility Dave Friesema dave-friesema apple Apple

"And I think we call them canal phones, which is probably not the sexiest name for something that you put in your ear." naming, branding, canalphones, adoption-barrier, perception 0.76 Early Etymotic language made the product sound clinical—“canal phones” doesn’t sell the experience. This helps explain why great tech still felt weird to consumers and why culture/branding had to evolve before in-ears could feel normal (and later, cool). It pairs cleanly with Geller’s “Jerry made it cool” thread to show the tech → culture handoff. belonging anecdote Dave Friesema dave-friesema etymotic-research Etymotic Research

"Nobody knew what they were. It was such a strange foreign concept, like take this thing and put it deep in your ear canal." Consumer-education, deep-insertion, E4, Stereophile-review, adoption-barrier 0.80 Even with hi-fi press attention, insert earphones felt clinical and weird—“put this deep in your ear canal.” This nails the early adoption wall: without education on fit/seal and why depth matters, great drivers still lose to discomfort and image. It sets up the culture shift that later made IEMs feel normal—and cool. precision anecdote Dave Friesema dave-friesema etymotic-research Etymotic Research

"It was sort of a skunkworks project in the beginning and then eventually got approval. I think we got like a $5,000 budget and then it got made." skunkworks, E4, small-budget, fighter-pilot-tech, origin-story 0.85 The E4 began off the books—“skunkworks,” a ~$5,000 greenlight—driven by an employee who repurposed aviation-comm tech (fighter pilot lineage) into a high-fidelity earphone. That shoestring start shows how adjacent-tech transfer, not big budgets, pushed Etymotic toward a product musicians could use. It humanizes the R&D: curiosity first, approvals later. innovation process Dave Friesema dave-friesema etymotic-research Etymotic Research

“We didn’t understand — that wasn’t our market. We sold chips for hearing aids, and we sold pro mics for hearing testing and for audiological research.” etymotic, market-scope, hearing-aid-chips, audiological-research, not-pro-audio 0.8 Nails why Etymotic sat adjacent to (not inside) touring: their core business was hearing-aid components and measurement tools for clinics/labs, not stage workflows. It explains how their tech informed fidelity and parts supply without driving pro adoption directly—useful context for attribution and timeline. precision credibility Dave Friesema dave-friesema etymotic-research Etymotic Research

"Mead Kilian — you probably heard of — he was the founder of Etymotic and he had worked for Knowles Design for many years." mead-killion, etymotic, knowles, balanced-armature, lineage 0.8 Connects the dots between Etymotic’s founder and Knowles—the balanced-armature driver wellspring. It’s a clean lineage marker that explains why Etymotic’s fidelity ethos and component choices shaped early insert earphones, even if they weren’t leading touring workflows yet. Useful for the tech family tree and attribution clarity. precision credibility Dave Friesema dave-friesema etymotic-research Etymotic Research

"Well, the first insert in-ear phone that we did at the time, we didn't call them monitors. But 1983 was the first balanced armature earphone that was designed." etymotic, 1983, balanced-armature, insert-earphone, pre-IEM-terminology 0.84 Anchors the timeline before “IEM” was even the term: Etymotic was designing balanced-armature insert earphones in 1983, years before pro-stage adoption. This helps separate early fidelity R&D from later touring workflows and explains why some pioneers sit outside the live-sound spotlight. It’s a clean historical pin for our chronology. innovation credibility Dave Friesema dave-friesema etymotic-research Etymotic Research

"So we were around, you know, pretty early on, but we really didn't start out or delve heavy into the pro audio space." etymotic, early-presence, not-pro-audio, consumer-tilt, timeline 0.72 Clarifies Etymotic’s lane: present early, but not driving touring workflows. This helps separate lab-grade fidelity and consumer canalphones from the pro-stage push happening elsewhere—useful for attribution and for explaining why some names loom larger in live sound adoption. precision credibility Dave Friesema dave-friesema etymotic-research Etymotic Research

"I have to admit, the first thing I thought was, you know, do I belong in this video?" dave-friesema, etymotic, unsung-engineer, implementation, behind-the-scenes 0.80 The hesitation is the point: Dave wasn’t the marquee inventor—he was the engineer who made other people’s ideas work. That humility opens our “unsung hands” theme: translating lab breakthroughs into reliable products musicians could actually use. It’s the quiet bridge between prototype and trust. belonging emotion Dave Friesema dave-friesema etymotic-research Etymotic Research

"Jerry made it cool" jerry-harvey, cultural-shift, adoption, aspiration, stage-image 0.90 The aesthetic flip that unlocked the market: Jerry turned IEMs from clinic gear into artist gear—something you wanted in photos and on stage. That “cool” factor accelerated buy-in, gave early adopters social proof, and set up the clash with Santucci’s “make it safe” ethos. Culture moved first; standards had to catch up. belonging credibility Brian Geller brian-geller ultimate-ears Ultimate Ears

"They were flesh tone colors and look like particular sexual devices." early-aesthetics, flesh-tone, adoption-barrier, stage-image, culture 0.22 Captures why “making it cool” mattered: the first-gen flesh-tone look was a turnoff, hurting onstage image and slowing adoption. Useful as private context or a behind-the-scenes chuckle, not a hero pull. innovation anecdote Brian Geller brian-geller ultimate-ears Ultimate Ears

"Now, I know people were kind of doing it before that, but Jerry kind of made it a cool thing and made it happening" trend-setting, cultural-adoption, social-proof, early-adopters, mainstreaming 0.77 Acknowledges predecessors while nailing Jerry’s specific contribution: he made IEMs aspirational—artist gear, not nerd gear. That cool factor accelerated adoption, turning backstage hacks into must-have kit and clearing runway for full product lines and touring norms. It’s the culture switch that moves markets. innovation credibility Brian Geller brian-geller ultimate-ears Ultimate Ears

"So my understanding of the tale is that Jerry rigged these earphones for Alex Van Halen to help them be able to hear what was going on in the band. And all of a sudden this whole industry, you know, was created." jerry-harvey, alex-van-halen, origin-myth, backstage-rig, industry-birth 0.72 Geller retells the canonical spark: Jerry hacks a solution for Alex Van Halen, and a cottage fix becomes a market. It’s the legend in a sentence—useful as the “myth” beat we can contrast against timelines, patents, and Garwood/Shure milestones to show how stories condense around a moment. innovation anecdote Brian Geller brian-geller van-halen Van Halen

"You know, to me, it was Jerry Harvey starting Ultimate Ears. And the fact that I sang in a Van Halen band and somehow found Ultimate Ears, it's truly special to me." jerry-harvey, ultimate-ears, legacy, tribute-singer, belonging 0.86 As a singer channeling “Diamond Dave,” Geller casts UE as more than gear—it’s his bridge into Jerry’s lineage. The second-fiddle humility makes the tech personal, showing how origin stories become identity for the artists who use (and later represent) the brand. belonging emotion Brian Geller brian-geller ultimate-ears Ultimate Ears

"For what I do, I'm mimicking somebody else. It's a little bit of me, but I'm, you know, they come out to see Diamond Dave. Without the in-ear monitor technology, I definitely wouldn't be doing what I am today." diamond-dave, tribute-precision, vocal-mimicry, iem-technology, career-viability 0.89 Tribute work demands surgical accuracy—timbre, phrasing, pitch center—because the crowd came for that voice. IEMs let Geller lock to the reference, protect his throat, and stay in character show after show. It’s proof that the tech doesn’t just help; it enables a very specific kind of performance to exist at all. stakes anecdote Brian Geller brian-geller van-halen Van Halen

I couldn't keep up. It was blowing out my voice the first night and then had to figure out a way to get through the second night. vocal-strain, wedges, survival-mode, adoption-trigger, tour-longevity 0.86 A singer burning out by night one and scrambling for night two is the wedge-era reality check. This line captures the survival math that pushes reluctant artists toward IEMs: protect the voice or end the run. It also foreshadows Geller’s later conversion and advocacy as UE’s global sales lead. stakes anecdote Brian Geller brian-geller the-atomic-punks The Atomic Punks

"So I decided to go with a balanced armature speaker. And actually I created the first in-ear monitor with a balanced armature in 1992 called the Prophonic." balanced-armature, Prophonic, 1992, isolation-first, design-shift 0.93 Planting a flag in 1992, Santucci moves IEMs from vented/dynamic toward sealed, balanced-armature designs—higher efficiency, better isolation, lower required SPL. It’s both a technical fork and a health stance, prefiguring the modern custom IEM playbook and sharpening the philosophy split at the heart of the film. innovation technical Dr. Michael Santucci dr-michael-santucci sensaphonics Sensaphonics

"I realized that they were plastic and there was holes — vents in them — and I said, you know, how do you keep the levels down with all that sound bleeding through? vented-design, isolation-loss, SPL-control, material-choice, philosophy-split 0.88 Santucci’s technical critique lands hard: vented, plastic earpieces let stage sound leak in, so players turn up to compete—exactly how hearing risk creeps in. This sets the philosophical divide in the film: bass-friendly, vented designs vs. sealed, isolation-first customs guided by conservation science. It’s design details as destiny. stakes technical Dr. Michael Santucci dr-michael-santucci future-sonics Future Sonics

"A couple of years later I see this thing called an in-ear monitor by a company, Future Sonics, and he contacts me and says, I see you're into hearing conservation. So am I." future-sonics, marty-garcia, hearing-conservation, origin-contact, audiology-bridge 0.88 Establishes the first handshake between an IEM pioneer (Future Sonics/Marty) and a hearing-health purist (Santucci). It roots the category’s origin in conservation, not volume—an alliance that legitimizes early IEM use and sets the ethical throughline we contrast later. Also timestamps the pre-Shure era as health-first, not hype. trust credibility Dr. Michael Santucci dr-michael-santucci future-sonics Future Sonics

"I was the beta tester for the ER-15 filter for Etymotic Research and Mead Killion." er-15-filter, etymotic-research, mead-killion, beta-testing, timeline 0.86 Pins Santucci at the inception layer of modern hearing protection: hands-on with ER-15 filters before they became standard kit. It cements his authority in the film’s history thread and bridges clinical audiology to stage practice—he wasn’t commenting from the sidelines; he helped shape the toolset. precision credibility Dr. Michael Santucci dr-michael-santucci etymotic-research Etymotic Research

"My focus — the whole company's focus — is to save musicians from losing their hearing." hearing-conservation, mission, prevention, musicians, duty-of-care 0.94 This is Santucci’s north star: the company exists to prevent hearing loss, not just sell ear gear. It reframes IEMs as protective equipment and draws a hard boundary against “loudness as power.” Use it as the ethical anchor for training, fit, SPL policy—and for the philosophical split with the louder-faster camp. stakes credibility Dr. Michael Santucci dr-michael-santucci sensaphonics Sensaphonics

"If the deal had gone through I'd been sitting on an island in the Bahamas right now." royalty-deal, Shure, lost-windfall, catalyst, origin-turning-point 0.93 The counterfactual in one line: if the royalty deal holds, there’s no scrappy climb—Jerry cashes out, not builds the thing. The collapse becomes the spark to found UE, channeling frustration into a market-shaping run and setting the emotional stakes of our David-vs-Goliath thread with Shure/Scott. It’s money, consequence, and motive in a single beat. stakes emotion Jerry Harvey jerry-harvey shure-incorporated Shure Incorporated

"You know, Jerry Harvey and I have a really, really good relationship. And I think the world of what we did in the world." shure-vs-ue, jerry-harvey, reconciliation, mutual-respect, human-arc 0.82 Sullivan affirms real friendship and respect between the “establishment” and the “inventor,” puncturing the easy rivalry narrative. It sets up the film’s emotional throughline—lost trust with a path back—and reminds viewers that the category existed because both sides pulled in tandem. trust emotion Scott Sullivan scott-sullivan ultimate-ears Ultimate Ears

"I'm most proud of taking a risk on something that was so new and creating a climate of change within the company and within the industry, and then also extending that to the consumer industry." risk-taking, change-management, category-creation, pro-to-consumer, leadership 0.93 Inside the “establishment,” Sullivan wasn’t just running process—he was placing a cultural bet: push Shure into an unproven IEM category, then carry it into consumer. His pride marks ownership of a risky inflection point that turned corporate inertia into momentum. It humanizes the suit and explains how the category jumped the fence from stage to everyday listening. stakes emotion Scott Sullivan scott-sullivan shure-incorporated Shure Incorporated

"We actually took the earphones and went to the consumer with our earphone line. It was before Apple had shipped to the iPod." consumer-pivot, pre-ipod, shure-earphones, category-seeding, pro-to-consumer 0.91 Shure didn’t stop at stage packs; they walked the earphone into retail before the iPod shipped, seeding a premium listening habit while the market still thought $79 was “expensive.” This ties the PSM/E1 logic to mainstream demand—turning monitor tech into a consumer category and staking brand authority ahead of Apple’s tailwind. It’s the moment the backstage tool learned to live in the wild. innovation process Scott Sullivan scott-sullivan apple Apple

"The executive team was kind of — they weren't sure in terms of if we move forward or not..." executive-hesitation, go-no-go, risk, corporate-buy-in, psm600 0.78 Frames the internal decision gate: even with wireless pedigree, Shure’s execs hesitated on IEMs. That pause makes the eventual commit feel earned, not preordained, and spotlights Sullivan’s role translating engineering promise into boardroom confidence. It’s the hinge between doubt and deployment. stakes process Scott Sullivan scott-sullivan shure-incorporated Shure Incorporated

"I felt very strongly that we should not just work on our RF system in a hardwired monitor system. We should also develop an earphone" shure-e1, integrated-system, rf-plus-earphone, product-strategy, category-creation 0.9 Inside Shure’s PSM push, Sullivan argues to build the earphone too—closing the loop from transmitter to ear. That move turns a wireless monitor from a partial kit into a tuned, supportable experience the company can scale. It’s the seed of the E1 and the reason PSM landed as a turnkey standard, not just another RF box. innovation process Scott Sullivan scott-sullivan shure-incorporated Shure Incorporated

So we felt confident that we could come in and prove it over the GARWOOD system and also make sure that it was connected to the story of being completely wireless on stage and mobile." garwood-benchmark, wireless-mobility, proof-of-concept, psm600, market-entry 0.88 Shure’s plan wasn’t just to build a better box—it was to beat Garwood head-to-head and tie the result to a cleaner story: fully wireless, fully mobile on stage. This is the go-to-market hinge where engineering proof meets narrative clarity, turning a niche idea into a scalable category. It marks the moment the establishment moved from experiment to inevitability. innovation process Scott Sullivan scott-sullivan garwood-communications Garwood Communications

"And then the consumer thing just really took off." jeff-tortora, ue-universals, venture-capital, premium-headphones, market-adoption 0.78 From inside UE’s orbit as they took VC and launched the first truly high-end universal in-ears, Tortora watched the price ceiling shatter (when “expensive” meant ~$79) and a new premium category snap into place. His line marks the inflection from pro-only customs to a scalable consumer business—retail channels, brand competition, and recurring upgrades. It’s the moment the backstage tool became a mainstream market. stakes anecdote Jeff Tortora jeff-tortora ultimate-ears Ultimate Ears

"Jerry was the one that was the mad scientist behind it." jerry-harvey, origin-story, innovation-myth, attribution, backstage-perspective 0.72 From a performer with proximity to Ultimate Ears’ inner circle, Tortora casts Jerry as the mythic tinkerer—the guy in the shop turning pressure into breakthroughs. It shows how credit coalesces around a singular persona, which our film interrogates against the wider timeline of contributors. Useful for contrasting perception vs. provenance. innovation anecdote Jeff Tortora jeff-tortora ultimate-ears Ultimate Ears

"Mindy Harvey was my ex-girlfriend and she was the CEO of Ultimate Ears. So I got a little behind the scenes for a few quite a few years." Jeff-tortora, blue-man-group, mindy-harvey, ultimate-ears, insider-access 0.66 As Blue Man Group’s drummer—and Mindy Harvey’s former partner—Tortora had a front-row seat to Ultimate Ears’ inner workings. His line establishes authentic proximity to leadership and the day-to-day of an IEM company during its scaling years. It reinforces how trust networks and personal relationships helped carry IEM adoption from backstage circles into the mainstream. trust credibility Jeff Tortora jeff-tortora ultimate-ears Ultimate Ears

"It was a brilliant life changing technology." iems, live-touring, market-impact, adoption, innovation 0.8 From Rat Sound’s vantage point (and being Coachella since the early days), Daniella Peters saw IEMs flip touring logistics from risky wedges to reliable control. Her line validates that the shift wasn’t niche—it re-priced risk, changed budgets, and standardized modern show practice. It’s market-proof that the tech wasn’t hype but a structural inflection. innovation credibility Daniella Peters daniella-peters rat-sound-systems Rat Sound Systems

"She was my secret weapon at Ultimate Ears for years. She was my ex-wife and she was my business partner. And without Mindy, Ultimate Ears wouldn't have been the success that it was." business partnership, key contributor, Ultimate Ears success, personal relationship 0.85 Jerry credits his ex-wife and former business partner, Mindy Harvey, as a pivotal force behind Ultimate Ears’ success. Referring to her as his “secret weapon,” he underscores her essential role in building and sustaining the company, framing her contributions as indispensable to its rise. stakes origin Jerry Harvey jerry-harvey ultimate-ears Ultimate Ears

"It wasn't until when the iPod came out, when when the floodgate opened and everybody was trying to make in-ears for for the audiophiles and music lovers." iPod launch, market expansion, consumer adoption, audiophile market 0.84 Jerry marks the arrival of the iPod as the tipping point when in-ear monitors moved beyond niche professional use into mass-market adoption. The portable music boom created demand among audiophiles and everyday music lovers, effectively opening the floodgates for manufacturers and accelerating the industry’s growth. stakes origin Jerry Harvey jerry-harvey apple Apple

"You had Michael and Marty, who had gotten a little bit of traction, but there was no real scale. And most of the musicians were like, well,... Do I really want to stick that into my ear." Sensaphonics ,Hearing Conservation., Future Sonics 0.86 erry describes the pre-Ultimate Ears landscape — Michael Santucci and Marty Garcia had gained some traction with early in-ear monitors, but adoption was limited. Musicians were still hesitant, questioning whether they even wanted something inserted into their ears. This captures both the technological infancy and cultural resistance that had to be overcome before IEMs could scale, setting up the inevitability of a major leap forward once the right conditions emerged. stakes origin Jerry Harvey jerry-harvey sensaphonics Sensaphonics

“Marty’s always built a good product. We just have a different philosophy in how we build and what we want it to do. The shift from single-driver to multi-driver in-ears was a natural progression — if it wasn’t me, it would’ve been someone else.” product quality, design philosophy, mutual respect, technological evolution, multi-driver progression 0.85 Jerry acknowledges Marty Garcia’s consistent quality in product design while noting their differing philosophies in construction and intended performance goals. He expresses respect for Marty and reframes their relationship as part of a natural industry progression rather than direct competition. The shift from Future Sonics’ single-driver designs to multi-driver in-ears is presented as an inevitable next step in audio reproduction, suggesting that if Jerry hadn’t made the leap, another innovator would have. This adds depth to the industry origin story, showing how overlapping contributions and respect among pioneers shaped the IEM landscape. stakes origin Jerry Harvey jerry-harvey future-sonics Future Sonics

"Marty had everybody in the beginning. He had all the the early adopters." early adopters, industry pioneers, initial market dominance 0.84 Jerry notes that in the early days of in-ear monitors, Marty Garcia worked with virtually all of the early adopters. This positions Marty not only as a technology pioneer but also as the central supplier during IEM’s formative years, underscoring his influence and reach before other competitors emerged. innovation origin Jerry Harvey jerry-harvey future-sonics Future Sonics

"He was definitely the first person that tried to commercialize it and had some success." commercialization, in-ear monitor pioneer, early success 0.72 erry reiterates Marty Garcia’s role as the first to attempt commercializing in-ear monitors, adding that Marty achieved some measure of success in that effort. The phrasing softens the claim while still affirming Marty’s position as a pioneer. innovation origin Jerry Harvey jerry-harvey future-sonics Future Sonics

"Marty was the first one to try to commercialize in-ear monitors. " commercialization, in-ear monitor pioneer, industry firsts 0.81 erry credits Marty Garcia as the first person to attempt taking in-ear monitors from a niche, custom-built tool into a commercially available product. Establishes Marty’s pioneering role in the broader IEM timeline and positions him as a foundational figure predating Jerry’s own commercial breakthroughs. innovation origin Jerry Harvey jerry-harvey future-sonics Future Sonics

"The first in-ear gig I ever did was for Engelbert Humperdinck. Dr. Santucci came out and shot impression and then gave us his hearings conservation concepts and built a couple of earpieces for Engelbert." Jerry Harvey’s first in-ear monitor gig; direct early collaboration with Dr. Santucci on Engelbert Humperdinck’s setup. 0.82 This is a pivotal connective moment in the IEM origin network. Jerry Harvey’s very first in-ear monitor job — for Engelbert Humperdinck — placed him in direct collaboration with Dr. Michael Santucci. Santucci personally took the ear impressions, shared his hearing conservation principles, and built earpieces for Engelbert. This intersection underscores the tight-knit nature of the early IEM community and how foundational players’ paths crossed long before their wider influence took shape. stakes origin Jerry Harvey jerry-harvey sensaphonics Sensaphonics

"In 1998, in-ears weren’t popular at dive bars anywhere — not even in Chicago." Chicago music scene, in-ear monitor adoption, late 1990s live sound culture 0.72 Chicago — despite being home to several in-ear pioneers — was still a holdout in 1998, reflecting the uphill battle early adopters faced in shifting live sound culture. innovation origin Matt Engstrom matt-engstrom shure-incorporated Shure Incorporated

"Scott had beta tested the PSM600 with a lot of industry leaders, including Jerry Harvey, including Michael Santucci and a lot of the other pros." Scott Sullivan, Shure PSM600 beta testing, Jerry Harvey, Michael Santucci, early wireless IEM market development 0.84 In the film, Scott Sullivan — VP at Shure and featured interviewee — is credited for spearheading collaborative beta testing of the PSM600 system with industry icons. This cooperation between Shure and independent pioneers like Jerry Harvey and Michael Santucci helped establish in-ear monitors as a professional standard. innovation origin Matt Engstrom matt-engstrom shure-incorporated Shure Incorporated

"I believe that the wireless products that were on the market weren't really performing at a level that I think a lot of people wanted. And I know that they were very cost prohibitive." wireless technology, early product limitations, in-ear monitor history, Futuresonic 0.76 Matt Engstrom explaining why early wireless systems failed to meet professional demands — both in performance and cost — setting the stage for later breakthroughs. stakes origin Matt Engstrom matt-engstrom future-sonics Future Sonics

"In-ears didn’t just change the mix — they changed the way artists connect with their own music." In-ear monitors, artist performance, emotional connection 0.95 Matt reflects on the transformative role in-ear monitors have played in performance — not just in technical clarity but in deepening an artist’s emotional connection to their craft. innovation emotion Matt Engstrom matt-engstrom shure-incorporated Shure Incorporated

Once I had my Ultimate Ears, I compared them in the mastering room — they were so close it took me months to believe it." in-ear monitors, mastering, audio precision .8 On discovering the precision of in-ears compared to studio monitors. innovation technical Hovannes K hovannes-k ultimate-ears Ultimate Ears

"Most of these contestants have never worn in-ears before, so you have to give them trust in the first thirty seconds." in-ear monitors, trust building, live performance, America’s Got Talent contestants .9 Describing his role on America’s Got Talent and how quickly he must earn the trust of performers who are new to in-ear monitors. trust process Jason Batuyong jason-batuyong americas-got-talent America's Got Talent

"It’s the most personal mix an artist will ever hear, and it’s happening in the most high-pressure moment of their career." in-ear monitors, personal mix, live performance, high-pressure moments .95 Talking about the critical role of in-ear mixes during live televised performances, where the stakes are highest for the artist. stakes emotion Jason Batuyong jason-batuyong americas-got-talent America's Got Talent

"If what they hear isn’t right, you can see it in their face — and so can millions of people watching live." in-ear monitors, live performance, artist reaction, televised broadcast .9 Explaining how a poor in-ear mix can instantly affect a performer’s expression, visible both to the audience in the room and millions watching on TV. stakes emotion Jason Batuyong jason-batuyong americas-got-talent America's Got Talent

"When they step out there, that’s the only mix they’re going to get — and it has to feel like home immediately." in-ear monitors, personal mix, live performance, performer comfort, America’s Got Talent contestants .9 Emphasizing the importance of delivering a perfect, comfortable in-ear mix from the very first note in a high-stakes performance environment. trust emotion Jason Batuyong jason-batuyong americas-got-talent America's Got Talent

"We all win because they put all of this technology into these in-ears and we get a perfect product now." in-ear monitors, audio technology, product innovation, live sound engineering .85 Acknowledging the advancements in in-ear monitor technology and how it benefits both engineers and performers. innovation technical Jason Batuyong jason-batuyong ultimate-ears Ultimate Ears